by Danielle Hale, Research Economist
- Headline CPI is the measure of inflation based on the Consumer Price Index most often discussed in the media because it is what most consumers actually feel in their pocket books—the changes in the prices of all goods. Headline CPI is used to adjust Treasury Inflation Protected Securities and individual income tax parameters.
- Core CPI is a measure of inflation also based on the Consumer Price Index and reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is called “Core” inflation, because it excludes volatile food and energy prices, which tend to swing in response to economic rather than monetary shocks. It tends to be used by monetary policy makers.
- Looking at data from the late 1990s through the present, we see that headline inflation is more varied and is frequently but not always higher than core inflation.
- Core inflation, has remained in the 1 to 3 percent range (denoted by green brackets).
- Whether the Fed is intentional about it or not, core CPI has tracked a 2 percent target fairly closely in the last decade. Even in recent months, when talk of inflation and deflation is grabbing headlines, Core CPI has remained at 1.7 to 1.8 percent on a year-over-year basis—well within the range it has maintained for the last 10 years.Copyright National Association of Realtors, Reprinted with permission
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
About today’s real estate market:
Courtesy of federalhousingtaxcredit.com
It seems like every time we turn on the evening news or read a newspaper headline, the bad news deepens our fear and concerns about the economy. With the news media in full throttle, using terms like “meltdown” and “crises”, it’s easy to see why you might lack confidence in buying and selling a home.
We have to remind ourselves that the media reports negative news, not positive. Their key objective is to pull in an audience and advertisers, not to make you feel good about yourself. They announce the unemployment rate rising despite the fact that millions of people are still working, making money, eating at restaurants and even buying and selling homes.
Are we really spinning out of control? Let’s look at the facts remembering that Katy is far ahead in financial recovery than other parts of the nation. The following data in based on national averages:
- The U.S. Gross Domestic Product is greater than Japan’s, Germany’s and China’s combined.
- Approximately 30% of American homes are owned free and clear and Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
PathFinder Energy Services, Inc., a Houston based company, has announced it has begun work on their new corporate location in Katy. The 34-acre site is located near the northwest corner of Colonial Parkway and the Grand Parkway on the north side of I-10. The site is adjacent to the 800,000 square-foot 99-Cents-Only warehouse.
This influx of PathFinder employees to the Katy area will be a boon to Katy real estate particularly to homes on the market.
According to The Houston Chronicle, “The firm anticipates spending more than $20 million on the technology center. Plans are to build a two-story facility and Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Recently, the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce visited the David Weekley “Hansboro” model in Firethorne and enjoyed a “Business After Hours” event. A large group of members, approximately 90 people, attended the reception. It was quite the honor for David Weekley as it was the very first time that a Firethorne homebuilder has hosted such a Katy Chamber event.
The 1,400-acre Firethorne master-planned community, where the vibrancy of West Houston meets the small-town charm of Fulshear, is located in the acclaimed Katy Independent School District. It features 150-acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities including a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt. There is also a sports field, hike-and-bike trails, parks and playgrounds. One of the nicest features is a wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat–unique features for a Katy Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Don’t believe everything you read or hear. Yes, the national economy seems to be in the toilet but, happily, Katy continues to defy dire predictions!
Although many Houston commercial developments have been canceled, Katy will soon be home to a major real estate project, Katy Main Street. The mixed-use project will occupy 86-acres located at the southwest corner of Interstate 10 and Pin Oak Road in Katy. Plans for Katy Main Street were unveiled by Katy’s Economic Development Council.
Occupants will include entertainment, retail and office space. Specifically, Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
After the indefinite postponement of KBR’s Katy campus, Katy business leaders have looked to the new medical developments as the major vehicles to bring new jobs to the Katy area and help Katy property values recover. Thank goodness, it’s all happy news concerning the construction of Katy’s Texas Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital. Construction proceeds “full speed ahead”!
Despite the economic downturn, all three major Houston hospitals are committed to their ongoing construction. Texas Children’s and Methodist are already under construction and St. Luke’s is in the final phase of architectural planning. According to The Houston Chronicle, “Officials at these hospitals say a shaky economy hasn’t halted plans to proceed with the facilities, which all will serve a rapidly expanding population and community.”
Located at the northwest corner of Barker Cypress and I-10, Texas Children’s Hospital is building a Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Being a Mom takes precedence over being a Katy TX Realtor. (Unfortunately, I don’t think my kiddos would necessarily agree with this statement. Do you have the same guilt-induced scenarios with your children?) I was a Katy Realtor long before I adopted my children. My career, like motherhood, is very time-consuming. It’s also extremely rewarding but never as meaningful as parenting my children.
Most of this time, I’ve been a single mother and have continued selling real estate with the exception of a two-year break when my son needed intensive physical therapy. I love my children and I love my professional life, too. However, when faced with a decision between being a Mom and a Realtor, of course, I chose parenthood.
My daughter turned 17 on Saturday. It’s almost impossible to think about how old she is and how soon she Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
LaCenterra and the Katy Chamber of Commerce invite you to participate in their Annual Tree Lighting fesitivies! Find your holiday cheer on Saturday, November 29, starting at 5:30 p.m. Cinco Ranch High School’s Bravo and VIVA! choirs will perform holiday favorites.
There will be special events for children including the Teddy Bear Parade. Little ones are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal(s) to help guide Santa to LaCenterra’s Christmas tree.
The Salvation Army’s Bears and Blankets Annual Drive will kick-off at the tree lighting and continue until December 12. Please bring stuffed animals, blankets or winter wear for donation to benefit the Salvation Army’s Angel Christmas Tree tradition.
For information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 19 years. Experience does count!
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Sorry to be late with this announcement, I just received the press release. Tomorrow’s party sounds like a blast and a chance to win prizes, always my favorite.
On October 27th the Farmers Market at LaCenterra celebrated it’s One Year Anniversary!
Tomorrow, Saturday, November 1st, the Farmers Market is holding a Customer Appreciation Day Celebration and you are invited to attend. Like the market, the party will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
I have a favorite Katy site, OnlyKaty.com: The Voice of Katy; it’s the absolute source for everything Katy! Founded and published by Carson Coots, a Katy resident, OnlyKaty.com is an area blog/magazine with regular columnists who cover topics from business, education, dining reviews, area events, sports, family lifestyle and many more subjects. Just wait until you discover The Rhodes Report about all things football in Katy; now, that’s a popular column!
My own Katy real estate column covers topics different from FuellingKaty.com. Recently, I wrote a story about alligators surfacing in our area neighborhoods and a piece about The Economic Revitalization Act, specifically what it means to Katy real estate, Katy Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
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